Climate Change Bill: Greens Urge Ministers to go Further

The Scottish Greens today welcomed the publication of Ministers’ consultation on the forthcoming climate change bill as a good start to the process, but warned that their current proposals do not go far enough. The 2007 SNP manifesto made a commitment to an 80% cut in emissions by 2050 (1), but the Greens back the tougher 90% target proposed by the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research and others. (2)

Green MSP Patrick Harvie said:

“This Bill is amongst the most important commitments the Scottish Government has made, and it’s vital that we not only pass the Bill, but make sure it’s as strong as it can be. The Tyndall Centre reports that cuts of 90% in carbon emissions will be needed by 2050 to prevent the worst impacts of climate change. Ministers are aiming for an 80% cut by that date, which is a good start, but their plans do not go far enough. We need to see clear legal duties for Ministers, which Parliament can hold them to each year, and we need the right long term targets.

“But we also need the policies in place which will help reach those targets. This won’t mean just tinkering with policy in transport, energy, housing and agriculture. It will mean nothing less than the transformation of our economy, our society and our politics. A low-carbon, sustainable future is not only possible, it’s necessary and desirable if we want to ensure a good quality of life for future generations here and around the world.”

Notes

1. “In government we will introduce a Climate Change Bill with mandatory carbon reduction targets of 3% per annum and also set a long-term target of cutting emissions by a minimum of 80% by 2050 – above the UK target of 60%.” See p.29: